Convertible trunk or wardrobe



(No Model.)

G. L. S. HAYES. CONVERTIBLE TRUNK OR WARDROBE.

Patented Jan. 27, 1891.

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UNrrnn STATES PATENT rrIcE.

GRETA L. S. HAYES, OF SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS.

CONVERTIBLE TRUNK OR WARDROBE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 445,400, dated January 27, 1891.

Application filed December 12, 1889. Serial No. 333,522. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, GRETA L. S. HAYES, a citizen of the United States, residing at Springfield, in the county of Hampden and State of Massachusetts, have invented new and useful Improvements in Convertible Trunks and W'ardrobes, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in a trunk or chest which is convertible into a wardrobe, the object of the invention being the provision of parts and appliances to constitute the ward robe-trunk, whereby the same is rendered of most simple and compact con-.

struction, easy of transformation, and susceptible of and efficient for a large variety of uses, being adapted to meet many wants either at home or while traveling; and in the following description and claim, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the composition of the invention may be fully and clearly ascertained.

Inthe drawings, Figure l'is a perspective view of the convertible contrivance when the parts thereof are disposed in trunk form, the cover thereof being shown as raised. Fig. 2 is a perspective View when the parts are disposed to constitute a wardrobe, the same being shown opened and the tray or internal case removed. Figs. 3 and 4 are views in detail, to be hereinafter more particularly mentioned.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the views.

A represents the main body or case, and B the cover thereof, the latter hinged to the former, as usual in trunks, the pivoted bars a cor a similar device being provided to hold the cover against opening beyond the proper extent. Horizontal cleats b b are provided a little below the top edge of the case A, in which may rest a tray 0, the greater part of which is intended to be disposed above the top edge of the case and to be inclosed by the cover when swung down.

The case A and cover B, each in its one end, is formed with a series of leg-receiving sockets d cl, four being shown in the case and two in the cover, and removable legs fare provided, which are adapted to fit in the said sockets and form supports for the covered case when stood upon end. In Fig. 3 the sockets d are shown as comprised in metallic bushings 9 set into the wood, the sockets being screw-threaded to receive the threads on the studs 7L, formed on or by the end portions of the legs. Rollers w are shown on the bottom ends of the legs for the cover, and, if desired, may be also provided on those for the ease or body proper, although in the illustration they are only shown on the legs for the cover or door. The cover is provided with a socket c to receive a removable knob j. In the end of the case opposite that at which are the sockets I provide a series of hooks 'm, pivoted at their shanks r} to lie within recesses Z, formed in the inner face of the case at the end opposite that at which the legs are to be secured. By referring to the perspective detail view, Fig. 4-, an approved form of hook appliance may be seen, which consists of a metallic socket-plate 1), having the recess or depression therein. The hook, which by its shank is pivoted in the aperture 15, maylie entirely within the plane of the outer .face of the socket-plate, and of course when swung out stands angularly therefrom as required for its use as a supporting-hook.

The tray 0 is preferably to be provided with rolls a in its bottom, and has a compartment 11 therein of just about the capacity to contain all the legs and the knob, so that when the inclosure is to be employed as and for the purposes of a trunk or storage-chest it presents no unusual appearance and is devoid of external projections or other unusual features; but on desiring to convert the chest into a wardrobe the tray is removed, the legs removed therefrom and connected to support the case and also the cover, as shown, and the knob applied on the cover, which constitutes the wardrobe-door. The hooks may then be turned to project angularly from the inner face of the case, and when the device is stood endwise, as seen in Fig. 2, a wardrobe is improvised.

The utility of the contrivance will probably be apparent without specific mention; but in illustration of a very usual manner of its use the employment thereof by a traveling person may be c1ted-that is to say, he utilizes the space within the trunk for containing his wearing-apparel and other effects enroute, and on the arrival at the hotel should he find,

as is frequently the case, a lack of closets or a Wardrobe, he converts his trunk into such' a receptacle, and is thereby enabled to suspend his articles for wear and not be forced to permit them to remain folded or crushed, and at such time of conversion the tray may be rolled under the bed or into other convenient place. Hinged hooks similar to those shown in the end of the case may be provided on the inner side Wall, if desired, and the legs for the cover may be dispensed with; but it is usually desirable to have them, as by the provision thereof the Wardrobe is less liable to topple over When the door is swung open.

GRETA L. S. HAYES.

Witnesses:

H. A. OHAPIN, G. M CHAMBERLAIN. 

